Title (fr)

Publication

Application

Priority

US 9617778 W 19961114

US 669395 P 19951114

Abstract (en)

[origin: WO9718436A1] A ballbar socket head (302) is attached to a standard tool head (304) for a CNC machine tool or like device. The socket head can then be parked on the machine tool's tool chain (316) and selectively loaded into the machine tool's spindle (318) under program control by an automatic tool change arm (320). The ballbar socket head (302) is then engaged with a telescopic ballbar attached to a base socket (308). The ballbar and base socket (308) may be peripherally located on the machine's table (310), or automatically placed on the table for test purpose by the machine tool. The ballbar test function may be automatically performed during loading and unloading of the machine, in between production runs, at downtimes, or at periodic predetermined time intervals. When the ballbar equipment is loaded, the machine tool automatically follows a predetermined controlled-motion pattern for a ballbar test. After the test, the ballbar socket head (302) is returned to the machine's tool chain (316) and the ballbar, and the base unit bar and and ballbar are moved, if appropriate. The results of the test are received by a computer and may be displayed for the operator, stored for statistical analysis, or used dynamically to recalibrate the machine's motion control. Preferably, the ballbar sensor (314) communicates with the computer using wireless methods.